Kuala Lumpur:Police have uncovered unlicensed online gambling and 4D lottery syndicates operating behind legitimate businesses such as cafes, grocery shops, and telecommunications stores in an effort to evade detection by authorities.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the illegal activities were revealed through Op Dadu Khas, a nationwide operation conducted on October 30 and November 1. The operation resulted in raids on 201 premises and the arrest of 282 individuals, ranging in age from 20 to 65.

The detained individuals include 229 men and 53 women, among whom are 59 foreign nationals from Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh, believed to have been employed by local syndicates as caretakers of the premises. Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk M. Kumar stated that several online gambling syndicates, such as Winbox and Alibaba, have been identified, and their leaders are being pursued for further action.

The investigations are being carried out under various legal sections, including Section 4A(a), Section 4B(a), and Section 4(1)(c) of the Common Gaming Houses Act 1953, as well as different sections of the Immigration Act 1959/63, and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, Anti-Restricted Activity Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLA).

Kumar noted that these syndicates operate nomadically, relying only on internet access and Wi-Fi for their operations. He further mentioned that the police plan to propose cutting off electricity to all 201 raided premises after investigations are completed. Additionally, there will be collaboration with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to remove online gambling advertisements from social media platforms.